Author: Paul Skidmore

If you have a lot of camera equipment, lenses, and accessories, you will appreciate the need for an effective camera backpack. In this guide, we provide five top camera bag backpacks so you can store your items efficiently and venture out with your gear in an organized manner. Camera backpacks are generally larger than simple camera bags and have a larger storage capacity. These products are therefore ideal for longer trips or even for traveling. Some of the products listed also have additional storage for other items like clothes and supplies. If you own a camera backpack, you can keep…

A camera bag is an essential item for anyone who has multiple cameras, lenses, and accessories. You want to keep your gear safe and handy, but you don’t always need to shell out the big bucks. It’s quite easy to get camera bags under $100, and they’ll still serve a dual purpose. Firstly, they allow you to easily carry your camera equipment when exploring the great outdoors. Secondly, they provide a storage system to keep your camera gear organized at home or at the office. When choosing a camera bag, you should firstly look at the storage capacity. How many…

Tokina has a reputation for producing quality lenses for Canon, Sony, and Nikon cameras. While they may not be as popular as Sigma and Tamron, Tokina is still an excellent third-party lens manufacturer, offering great optics at more affordable prices than the big brands. In this guide, we go over five of the top Tokina ultra wide-angle lenses under $500, so you can shoot pro-level photography without paying pro-level prices. When choosing a Tokina lens, oftentimes the features are not clear from the lens name alone. Other manufacturers denote special features like autofocus and image stabilization, for example. Generally, Tokina…

There is a great range of third-party lens manufacturers like Tamron and Sigma. One of the best is Tokina. This company produces a solid range of affordable lenses for Canon, Sony, and Nikon cameras. In this guide, we look at five of the top Tokina wide-angle lenses under $500. Tokina specializes in wide lenses and has a solid choice of both zoom and prime models. The company produces really good lenses that usually feature excellent maximum apertures and advanced lens construction to provide high-quality images. Also, Tokina lenses have some interesting features like one-touch focus clutch buttons, and external water-repellent…

Sony is sometimes overlooked in comparison to Canon and Nikon, but it has a great range of DSLR cameras and quality lenses too. In this guide, we look at four of the top Sony macro lenses under $1000 so you can create excellent macro photography. For macro photography, the closest focusing distance and magnification ratio are important. The closest focusing distances denotes how close you can get to your subject. Also, the magnification ratio denotes the scale of the subject in correspondence to its real-life dimensions. You want a ratio of at least 1:1 which gives a true representation of…

Nikon has an excellent range of versatile telephoto lenses. In this guide, we look specifically at four of the best Nikon telephoto lenses under $300. It is possible to purchase a quality telephoto lens without spending a fortune. When looking at Nikon lenses, there are several features to consider. Firstly, if it is a DX lens, this means it is compatible with APS-C cropped sensor cameras. Secondly, an ED after the aperture means that the lens features Extra-Low Dispersion lens elements. Vibration Reduction and Silent Wave Motor technologies are also something to look for. VR provides image stabilization for handheld…

Sony produces a great range of affordable lenses for their A and E-mount cameras. This includes a solid choice of lenses for wide-angle photography. In this guide, we look at the best Sony wide-angle lenses under $500 for your benefit. When choosing a Sony lens, there are important features to consider. Firstly, look for the inclusion of OSS. This is Sony’s image stabilization technology and helps handheld lens usage. Also, consider the autofocusing. Whereas some manufacturers like Tamron have designated AF systems, Sony’s are usually internal, and you have to read the product description to see what AF capabilities the…

Nikon has a good choice of dedicated macro lenses. If you want to take professional-grade close-up shots, a specialist macro lens is advisable. In this guide, we look at four of the best Nikon macro lenses under $500 for your benefit. When choosing a macro lens, there are key features you must look for. Firstly, closest focusing distance and magnification ratio are important. These features dictate how close you can get to a subject and the detail you can capture. Also, the autofocusing motor and image stabilization are useful. A fast autofocusing system enables you to lock-on to moving macro…

Tokina is a top-rated third-party manufacturer of quality lenses. It has a good selection of lenses for Nikon and Canon full-frame and APS-C sensor cameras. In this guide, we look at five of the top Tokina zoom lenses under $500. Tokina specializes in wide-angle lenses and often provides great maximum apertures. This means their lenses are suitable for artistic photography if you want to create smooth bokeh effects. Generally, Tokina lenses have an internal focusing system and do not benefit from image stabilization. Nonetheless, you can still expect consistent quality and great performance from these budget lenses. 1. Tokina AT-X…

Nikon has a range of good lenses for its mirrorless and DSLR cameras. These lenses are renowned for having great quality, usability, and a decent array of features. In this guide, we look specifically at Nikon super-telephoto lenses under $1000. Super-telephoto is defined as a focal distance of 300mm or greater. In most instances, this is the top focal distance for these affordable zoom lens. When choosing a high-end Nikon lens, be sure to check the lens categorization. AF-P is a Pulse lens that uses a stepping autofocus motor. Alternatively, AF-S uses Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor technology for autofocusing. Other…

Sigma is one of the top third-party lens manufacturers. Included in their range is a great choice of ultra-wide lens options. In this guide, we have chosen five of the best Sigma ultra wide-angle lenses under $1000 to help narrow down your choices. Sigma makes very good lenses but they have several features and models that are important to understand. Firstly, there are Sigma DC and Sigma DG lenses. DC lenses are suitable for DSLR cameras with an APS-C sensor. Alternatively, DG lenses are more suited to full-frame 35mm DSLR sensor cameras. Next, you should consider the different categories like…

Sigma is one of the best third-party lens manufacturers. It has a range of good lenses for Nikon, Canon, and Sony DSLR cameras. In this guide, we look specifically at the best Sigma wide-angle lenses under $1000. When choosing a Sigma lens, always check for the features. For example, Sigma’s Art range offers superior image quality and performance in comparison to their basic lens range. Also, for autofocusing, the HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) is recommended as this represents the best current Sigma AF technology. Sigma wide-angle lenses usually have an excellent maximum aperture. Check to see if the lens is…

Sony has a good range of zoom lenses for its A-mount and E-mount DSLR cameras. To select a suitable Sony zoom lens, you must consider the different lens categories. For example, Sony has a special range of ZEISS lenses with enhanced optics. Also, it has FE and E mount lenses that are suitable for different camera types. There is also the G-series which has a reputation for producing very good lenses with improved build quality and performance. Don’t forget to consider other important components like the autofocusing system, and the lens element construction. These contribute to image quality and usability…

Sony has a solid choice of affordable prime lenses. In this buying guide, we look specifically at Sony prime lenses under $1000. Prime lenses might have a single focal distance, but this encourages photographers to move around and consider their positioning more. Prime lenses also offer improved quality for that single focal distance, in comparison to a zoom lens that includes that focal range. When choosing a Sony prime lens, be sure to consider the lens mount and category of lens. Sony has a few different lens ranges. For example, it has the Sonnar range which features enhanced Zeiss glass.…

Sony has some good lenses for its A-mount and E-mount camera systems. In comparison to Nikon and Canon, this camera manufacturer is often overlooked without reason. Its lenses offer good quality, strong image performance, and are usually reasonably priced. In this guide, we look specifically at the Sony telephoto lenses under $1000. A telephoto lens is generally classed as anything with a focal distance over 85mm. Sony has a good selection of lenses in this category and some decent super-telephoto options too. Key features of Sony lenses to look out for is Optical Image Stabilization (OSS), and autofocus (AF). Unlike…

Canon has an excellent range of available lenses. It includes a host of high-quality ultra wide-angle lenses for both full-frame and APS-C sensor cameras. In this guide, we look specifically at Canon ultra wide-angle lenses under $1000. When choosing a Canon ultra wide-angle lens, always check the features. Common Canon features include IS, USM, and STM. IS is canon’s image stabilization and helps when using the lens and camera handheld. USM and STM are two types of autofocusing motors. Both of these provide great autofocusing capabilities, but generally, the USM motor is seen as the better option. Canon has standard…

Super-telephoto lenses offer unrivaled detail and allow you to capture magnificent images of things like wildlife or sporting events. Canon has produced some brilliant quality options and today we look at the best Canon super-telephoto lenses under $1000. When choosing a super-telephoto lens, you should consider image stabilization, portability, and autofocusing. Image stabilization for this type of lens is essential, especially when zoomed-in at maximum focal distances. Many super-telephoto lenses tend to be bulky and heavy, therefore you should be aware of its size and how you can carry or use it. Do you need a tripod, for example, or…

Ultra wide-angle is generally considered to be any focal distance under 24mm. However, this varies depending on the format of the camera. The best Tamron ultra wide-angle lenses under $1000 offer the chance to capture extra detail and create fantastic landscape shots or even panoramic-style photos. Having an ultra wide-angle lens in your kit offers good versatility. It can be used in a range of situations – not just for landscape shots. For example, you could use it for wide-angle portraits or street photography. When looking at ultra wide-angle lenses from Tamron we advise looking for notable features like Vibration…

Sigma is one of the best third-party lens manufacturers and has a similar range of lenses to top contender Tamron. It has a good choice of wide-angle lenses too. In this guide, we look at six of the best Sigma wide-angle lenses under $500. In this list, we have included a selection of prime lenses, wide-angle zooms, and multi-purpose zoom lenses that incorporate wide-angle focal distances. This gives you a good overview of the different types of Sigma lenses available. When choosing a Sigma lens, always look out for the native features. These include a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) for…

Sigma is a top manufacturer of third-party lenses for Canon, Nikon, and Sony cameras. It has a good range of zoom lenses under $500 that are compatible with both full-frame and APS-C sensor cameras. In this guide we specifically look at four of the best Sigma zoom lenses under $500. When looking at Sigma lenses, it is important to consider the different features and categories and what they mean. Firstly, Sigma has A, C, S, and EX. A is the Art range and are usually high-quality prime lenses. C is the Contemporary range and are usually variable zoom lenses. S…

Nikon has a good selection of affordable wide-angle lenses. You can easily purchase one for under $500. However, these are generally limited to AF, AF-S, and AF-P models. Currently, there are no Nikon Z lenses under this price point. In this list of Nikon wide-angle lenses under $500, we have included both prime and zoom lenses. Nikon does have a good selection of zoom lenses that incorporate wide-angle focal distances, however, we have only concentrated on the specialist wide-angle lenses instead of the multi-purpose lenses that have both wide-angle and telephoto capabilities. Wide-angle lenses are essential to any photographer’s kit.…

Nikon has a good selection of affordable lenses. In this guide, we specifically look at Nikon zoom lenses under $500. Yes – it is possible to purchase a high-quality zoom lens for under $500. There is a good choice available and a decent selection of lenses that cover various photography types. Zoom lenses offer excellent versatility. Instead of purchasing a series of prime lenses, you can buy a single zoom lens that can cover multiple focal distances. This type of lens is also great for travel and day trips, as it helps reduce your packing requirements and you don’t have…

A camera clip is an essential item for photographers that move around and are active in their work. Unlike a camera strap, a clip simply clamps your camera in place to either your belt, or a bag strap, keeping your camera from wildly flailing around and risking damage. In most instances, camera clips will fix your device in place using a standard ¼” tripod screw, meaning that you can only use this type of device if your camera has a tripod mount. Most products feature a fast release mechanism so that you can quickly grab your camera and snap any…

A zoom lens offers versatility and allows you to cover a wider range of photography types. Whilst prime lenses have a set focal distance, zoom lenses can shift between focal distances. With a 70-300mm, for example, you could cover anything from portraits through to wildlife photography. Nikon has a good range of affordable zoom lenses. In this buying guide we look at five of the best Nikon zoom lenses under $250 for your benefit. Having a budget zoom lens for your Nikon camera can allow you to react to different situations. Also, by using a zoom lens, you don’t have…

Tamron has a good choice of prime lenses for Canon, Nikon, and Sony DSLR cameras. Their Super Performance range of lenses offers enhanced build quality, and additional features compared to the basic range of lenses. In this guide, we look specifically at the Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD. This is a high-quality prime lens that offers a perfect focal distance for various photography types. Main Features First let’s look at the main features of this lens. As stated above, it is part of the Tamron Super Performance range. Aside from this, it has an impressive range of basic features…

A versatile zoom lens is an important item to have in your photography kit. In this guide, we specifically look at Canon zoom lenses under $1000. There are different types of budget zoom lenses available. Some have a smaller focal distance for wide-angle photography such as 16-35mm. Others cover a wider range and could be used for wide-angle through to telephoto like a 24-105mm. Finally, there are multi-purpose zoom lenses that cover virtually every type of photography such as a 24-240mm. When choosing an affordable zoom lens, consider how you will use it, and what types of photos you want…

A prime lens is defined as a lens that has a fixed focal length. Where zoom lenses have a variable focal distance of 24-70mm, for example, a prime lens has one focal distance, such as 35mm. While this makes prime lenses less versatile, what they lack in versatility, they make up for in quality. Prime lenses provide greater image quality at that set focal distance in comparison to a zoom lens that can achieve the same focal distance. Prime lenses also encourage movement. To use a prime lens effectively, you must think about your positioning and work for the photo,…

Telephoto lenses allow you to capture excellent detail in your photography. You can, for example, zoom-in on wildlife and photograph them in their natural habitats. Alternatively, you can photograph sporting events and capture the action in awesome detail. A telephoto lens is classed as anything that has a focal distance of 70mmn or more. A lens with a focal distance of 70-135mm is classed as a medium-telephoto lens. Next, 135-300mm is classed as telephoto. Finally, 300mm+ is classed as super-telephoto. These types of lenses are often versatile and allow you to filter through different focal distances. When selecting a telephoto…

Zoom lenses provide versatility, so instead of purchasing a handful of expensive prime lenses for various purposes, you can purchase a single zoom lens that can do it all. For example, a lens with a focal distance of 24-70mm can cover many photography types including wide-angle, portraits, street photography, and events photography. These lenses are a great idea for traveling when to reduce your luggage, and they are ideal for day trips and outings when you don’t want to carry a whole array of camera equipment. When choosing a zoom lens, be sure to check the maximum aperture range, and…

Prime lenses have a fixed focal distance as opposed to the variable focal distance of zoom lenses. This makes them less flexible, but they usually have superior quality for that fixed focal distance. In this guide, we look at the best Sigma prime lenses under $1000. Having a few affordable prime lenses in your kit provides greater creativity and specialization. Whilst a zoom lens allows you to shoot multiple types of photography, you can use a prime lens to specialize in one type of photography. Prime lenses usually offer better quality at their fixed focal length as there is only…